9 Essential Types of Business Writing You Should Master

In the business world, the majority of communication is written, making it important to master business writing. Effective business writing will ensure you are clearly understood, as well as showing respect for the receiver. It will make you stand out as an intelligent, credible, and confident employee.

1. Emails

Emails
are a quick, cost-effective way to communicate with your employees, co-workers,
clients and customers. They’re one of the most used methods of communication in
today’s business world, so it’s important to make sure your emails make a good
impression. The following tips can help you hit the mark.

Write a clear subject line.

Keep it short and simple. Avoid
unnecessary adjectives and long-winded ways of making a point. As Amanda
Goldman, synthesis
essay outline writer at SolidEssay.com says, “Be ruthless about
self-editing; if you don’t need a word, cut it."

Avoid jargon and big words when
possible.

Use full words. Don’t use
shorthand, emojis, or internet slang.

Use a professional sign-off.

2. Reports

Reports
can be used to convey important information, attract investors, and set goals
and plans for the future. Writing a good report can make sure your readers make
it to the important stuff. In reports, formatting can be almost as important as
content. Jessica Miller, APA
outline expert at ConfidentWriters.com, recommends the following tips to
make sure you get the right flow as well as content.

Think about the who, what,
where, when and why before you start writing.

Organize your ideas logically:

Introduction

Purpose

Research

Conclusion

Call to action

Use lists to pull out important
information.

3. Memos

Memos
are commonly sent via email today. They can be used to make announcements,
convey changes in policies or procedures, or as reminders. They can be very
useful tools for a manager, when used effectively in the following ways.

Write a subject line that tells
the reader’s what the memo is about.

Get to the point immediately.
Supporting facts follow.

Identify the problem and
propose a solution.

4. Handbooks

Employee
handbooks are hugely important. They ensure everyone is on the same page as far
as policies and procedures are concerned and give employees something to refer
back to if they ever need to. According to Brian Wilson, HR Director at Example Papers, “making your
handbook employees actually want to read can really elevate it to the next
level and help ingrain those policies into their heads."

Open with your company’s
mission statement. Get employees excited about your core values.

Rather than just telling
employees what policies your company enforces, tell them why. What are the
reasons behind each policy?

Include perks in your handbook.

Think outside the box. Make the
handbook fun so employees want to read it.

5. Newsletters

Internal
newsletters can be used to get news to your employees that’s interesting or
valuable but not necessarily time-sensitive. External newsletters can help grow
your client base and garner interest, but how do you write an effective
newsletter?

Know your audience. What’s
important to them?

Choose the most important
information, like product updates, changes in benefits, or job vacancies. Don’t
cram in everything.

Use visual elements such as
photos or infographics.

6. Press Releases

A
press release can be a great marketing tool, especially for small businesses.
It’s a free way to get your message, event, or opening into the public eye.
It’s important to write an engaging one so the media will be engaged.

Start with a great opening
sentence and then who, what, where, when and why.

Keep it to one page if
possible.

Use search engine optimization
keywords.

7. Meeting Agendas

Setting
an agenda can make or break your business meeting. Having one keeps the meeting
on track, ensures the important topics are covered first in case anyone has to
leave early, and minimizes wasted time.

Start simple. What time is it?
Who should go? Where?

Establish the objective in one
or two sentences.

Schedule topics from most
important to least and allot time based on content.

Keep it to under five topics.

8. Resumes

Never
underestimate the value of a good
resume. It’s often the first impression a potential employer has of you. It
should be a detailed summary of your qualifications that presents you in the
best light possible. The following tips by Ashley Summers, resume writer at SwiftPapers, are just a few of the most
important ones you should take into consideration when writing your resume.

Keep it consistent and double
check spelling and grammar.

The font size should be between
10-12.

Focus on the job you’re
applying for and highlight the skills that qualify you for it.

9. Cover Letters

A
cover letter allows you to highlight qualifications and enthusiasm for the job
that you may not be able to with just a resume. You can add in relevant skills
from your personal life that make you perfect for the job. Cover
letters can be difficult, but here are a few suggestions to help you get
started:

Research the company’s
challenges and culture.

Start with why the job is
exciting to you. Be enthusiastic.

Address the letter directly.
You may have to do some research to find the name of the hiring manager.

Customize your letter to each
job.

With
any business writing, it’s wise to use plain language, stick to the point, and
proofread, proofread, proofread. Always use a professional tone but think
outside the box and try to make it something people actually want to read. Use
these tips to help you master the art of business writing for your career.